Financial Controller

TieTalent; Leeds; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent school in Leeds is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to oversee day-to-day finance functions and support strategic planning. The ideal candidate will have a strong financial background, excellent leadership skills, and advanced proficiency in financial software, as well as an accountancy qualification. This full-time role offers a competitive salary of £50,000 - £55,000 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven experience in financial management, budgeting, and reporting.
• Advanced Excel and financial software proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead the school's finance function, including budgeting and forecasting.
• Prepare annual budgets and statutory accounts.
• Oversee risk management and cash flow.
• Manage audits and ensure compliance.
• Act as Company Secretary and oversee financial systems.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial Management

Budgeting

Excel proficiency

Education

Accountancy qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Tools

Financial software

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Financial Controller role at TieTalent.

We are looking to recruit an experienced Financial Controller to join our School as soon as possible.

Gateways School is a leading independent day school for around 500 pupils aged 218 years. Established in 1941, Gateways is situated on a 16 acre site in the village of Harewood and benefits from easy access to the Golden Triangle, the city of Leeds and the spa town of Harrogate.

Reporting to the Head, the Financial Controller is a critical senior member of staff at the school and plays a vital role in the school's strategic planning.

Gateways is both happy and successful with a strong sense of community throughout. The school is flourishing in all areas with excellent academic standards and a broad range of extracurricular activities, all of which helps to ensure a strong pupil roll and healthy financial situation.

The post holder will be responsible for the effective leadership and management of the day-to-day finance function at the school and will also oversee risk management and the generation of non-fee income.

The successful candidate will be an individual of proven leadership ability, a strategic thinker, innovative and highly practical, displaying resilience and tenacity in equal measure, they will possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Exceptional financial acumen and robust commercial judgement will be essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the schools finance function, including budgeting, forecasting, payroll, billing, credit control, and management account reporting.
• Prepare annual budgets and statutory accounts; lead monthly management accounts and termly billing.
• Oversee risk management, cash flow, and treasury functions.
• Manage audits, ensure compliance with the Charities Commission, HMRC, Companies House, and other regulatory bodies.
• Line-manage the Finance Department and support staff.
• Act as Company Secretary and oversee financial systems and contracts.
• Support non-fee income generation and monitor the financial viability of school activities and services.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Accountancy qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
• Proven leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Proven experience in financial management, budgeting, and reporting
• Advanced Excel and financial software proficiency

Desirable:

• Experience in private education or charity sector financial management
• Knowledge of school-specific regulatory and safeguarding frameworks

Additional Information

Please view the full job description and full person specification for this role on our website.

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Working Hours: Full time (40hrs), all year round.

Salary: £50,000 - £55,000, depending on experience.

Application Deadline: Monday 8th September 2025 at 9am.

Gateways School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expect all staff and volunteers to share the commitment. Appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS with barred list check as well as a Prohibition List check (where applicable).

We are not accepting agency applications at this time. Thank you for your understanding.